How to Prune a Weeping Fig Tree

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How to Prune a Weeping Fig Tree

Overview

Weeping fig (ficus benjamina) is grown as a tree or bush, inside or outside. It can grow as tall as 6 feet high and have 2- to 3-inch-long leaves that are medium green in color. Weeping figs are considered tropical to subtropical trees and do the best in sun to partial shade, in mildly acidic to acidic soil. Weeping figs have braided trunks, an interesting characteristic. Pruning them will ensure they develop a strong structure, keep their form and shape looking good, as well as improve the health of the tree.

Step 1

Identify broken, dead or diseased branches as soon as they appear. Cut them with pruning shears at the point where they meet healthy branches or the tree trunk.

Step 2

Prune wayward branches any time of year. If they are too long and ruining the look of the tree, use shears to clip them to the desired length. Place the cut next to a bud.

Step 3

Thin out the weeping fig tree's canopy to allow light and air to get in, which will improve the tree's health and reduce the likelihood of disease. Follow a few interior branches to their origination and cut as close to the joint as possible.

Step 4

Make all cuts next to the collar, which is the thicker section at the base of branches. This will help you avoid the creation of a stump, which can invite pests and disease.

Step 5

Keep up with pruning the tree annually. Remove twigs that are one to two seasons old, in order to maintain the shape you've created.

Step 6

Trim weeping fig trees over time if you need to cut off quite a bit. For the health of the tree, you should not prune more than 10 percent to 30 percent of the healthy wood per growing season.

Tips and Warnings

Don't top weeping figs by cutting clear across the top of the tree.

Things You'll Need

Pruning shears

Gloves

References

Bachman's

Plant-care.com

New Mexico State University

Who Can Help

Forest Service: Information on Weeping Fig trees

About Weeping Fig tree

Keywords:
prune weeping fig trees, weeping fig trees, trim branches

About this Author

Kelly Shetsky has been a broadcast journalist for more than ten years, researching, writing, producing and reporting daily on many topics. In addition, she writes for several websites, specializing in medical, health and fitness, arts and entertainment, travel and business-related topics. Shetsky has a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications from Marist College.